Army Scout Posted April 25, 2006 Share Posted April 25, 2006 Now that we are going to start getting the armor ready, we need to figure out what plastic is better. We all know ABS is better for costumes...period. But it is a bit more expensive. And styrene is not as shiney and will yellow over time. Now for our armor, stryene might be the way to go cause we need to paint it up. But, we could just sand ABS. So what do you think??? Army Scout Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TB-7076 Posted April 25, 2006 Share Posted April 25, 2006 I do fiberglas - always - but for the above reasons styrene might be OK Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TB-1019 Posted April 25, 2006 Share Posted April 25, 2006 We're using HIPS for our clone armor. Yellowing will not be a concern as we prime and paint it white, so if you all are going to be painting over it anyway, it might be a viable solution. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Army Scout Posted April 26, 2006 Author Share Posted April 26, 2006 We're using HIPS for our clone armor. Yellowing will not be a concern as we prime and paint it white, so if you all are going to be painting over it anyway, it might be a viable solution. That is what we are thinking. Styrene might be the way to go for this set up. Army Scout Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Vixx Posted April 26, 2006 Share Posted April 26, 2006 Had some time to think about it at work. I went with Styrene. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
zollida Posted April 26, 2006 Share Posted April 26, 2006 Had some time to think about it at work. I went with Styrene. i agree with styrene due to the fact that it can be strengthen with proper priming and also ease on drill through work comparison with fiberglass ..for paint job wise it will definitely more friendly verses fiberglass Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest 1154 Posted April 26, 2006 Share Posted April 26, 2006 isnt styrene more brittle?? We have pulled the chest with it and abs, and the styrene seems alot more easy to break. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TB-1019 Posted April 26, 2006 Share Posted April 26, 2006 Styrene can be brittle if it is too thin, yes, but it also takes detail better than ABS, unless you have a strong vacuum with which to pull from. That is one of the trade-offs. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BrotherHalo Posted April 27, 2006 Share Posted April 27, 2006 I second Jay. Go with HIPS. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
troopermaster Posted April 29, 2006 Share Posted April 29, 2006 HIPS is the way to go if you are doing the forming yourself on a home made machine.It forms easily and is glossy as standard here in the UK,so there's no need to paint it I haven't formed ABS myself,but have heard it can be formed 'almost' as easily as HIPS but don't quote me on that I also heard ABS 'does' yellow,and this was proved when an SDS/AA stormtrooper helmet started to develop yellow spots.It doesn't suprise me though as ABS is made from styrene and I have not had any of my parts made from HIPS ever yellow! -Paul. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ladyghost4459 Posted April 29, 2006 Share Posted April 29, 2006 How does it compare for weight and durability? I mean which is lighter, more comfortable to wear. What stands up to wear better as far as breakage and chipping is concerned? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Speedracer29 Posted June 23, 2006 Share Posted June 23, 2006 I personally like ABS. I am not a fan of styrene: brittle. But the majority rules. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MisserCraig Posted June 26, 2006 Share Posted June 26, 2006 HIPS is the way to go if you are doing the forming yourself on a home made machine.It forms easily and is glossy as standard here in the UK,so there's no need to paint it I haven't formed ABS myself,but have heard it can be formed 'almost' as easily as HIPS but don't quote me on that I also heard ABS 'does' yellow,and this was proved when an SDS/AA stormtrooper helmet started to develop yellow spots.It doesn't suprise me though as ABS is made from styrene and I have not had any of my parts made from HIPS ever yellow! -Paul. I'm pretty sure SDS uses styrene for his TK helmets, not ABS another vote for styrene here, more econonical, and the need to paint the armor nixes out the yellowing factor Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest tom-bombadil Posted August 10, 2006 Share Posted August 10, 2006 I work whit Fiber glass and HIPS, Fiber Glass armor have more shining than HIPS, I really like my Fiber glass armors. HIPS you can paint it and the final look is awesome. For Vacuum form I use 3mm HIPS, I don't like much ABS always you will need to paint it, and styrene definitive is not a good choice for me, use styrene if you want to try your molds...That is my experience... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ScoutSi Posted April 11, 2007 Share Posted April 11, 2007 Seeing as it needs painting then styrene would be good as it gives a cleaner pull HIPS (High Impact Poly Styrene) is a good compromise as its very similar to ABS, but has greater UV resistancy. Again it shouldn't matter though as we'll be painting Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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